OBITUARY
Karen Pilcher Mackey
January 25, 1966 – March 18, 2019
Karen Pilcher Mackey, 53, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2019 surrounded by her family after a brief, yet very courageous, battle with cancer. Visitation will be held at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home on Thursday, March 21, 2019 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services for Karen will be held Friday, March 22, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home. Officiating will be Craig Kennedy and Meredith Hanna, who serve as chaplains of the Shreveport Fire Department. Interment will follow at Centuries Memorial Cemetery. Karen was a life-long resident of Shreveport, Louisiana, though her favorite place to be was with family and friends at the beach with her toes in the sand. Karen’s life was dedicated to her precious family, friends, and the citizens of Shreveport. She was a Fire Communications Officer with the Shreveport Fire Department for many years, which led her to meet and marry her loving and devoted husband, James Michael “Mike” Mackey, who never left Karen’s side during her five-month battle with cancer. The light of Karen’s life was her family, especially her great-nieces, Olivia and Hollis, who she loved fiercely as her own. Karen was lovingly referred to as “KaKa” by Olivia and Hollis, as well as her grand-children, Emory, Georgia, and Deacon, and great-nephew, Beckham. Karen loved them all beyond measure and took great joy in their lives. Karen made every occasion special. She made every memory shine. From holidays to birthdays, her infectious smile, joyful spirit, and loving heart made everything brighter. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Karen was born on January 25, 1966 in Shreveport, Louisiana to Grace Santone Pilcher and William E. Pilcher. She is preceded in death by her parents, and her beloved Cocker Spaniels, Bosley and Ennzo. She is survived by her husband, James Michael “Mike” Mackey; her brother, Gary M. Pilcher, Sr. and his wife, Tobie; nephew, Gary M. Pilcher, Jr., and his wife, Catherine; niece, Meagan Pilcher Defauw, and her husband, David; great-nieces, Olivia Riley Roberson and Hollis Ann Defauw; step-children, Justin E. Mackey, and his wife, Megan, and their children Emory, Georgia, and Deacon, and Brittany L. Mackey; sister-in-law, Pamela S. Mackey, and her children, Bobby “Trey” Smith, III, and his wife, Harley, and their son, Beckham, and Braelyn G. Smith; and best friend since their days at Caddo Magnet High School, Rachel M. Provenza. Pallbearers will be Craig Bynog, Jeff Cash, Derrick Cooper, Damon Johnson, Tony Moffett, Kyle Newton, Joe Norris, and Brian Williams. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be Karen’s “Crew,” the Shreveport Fire Department Communications Shift 2. The family would like to extend their greatest gratitude to the following for their love, support, and compassion throughout this difficult time: Dr. Robert J. Massingill, Christus Highland CPCU nurses and staff, Caddo Fire District 6, the Shreveport Fire Department and Life Air. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations should be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, an organization that Karen held close to her heart.
FAMILY
- William and Grace Pilcher, Parents (deceased)
- James Michael "Mike" Mackey, Husband
- Gary M. Pilcher Sr.and wife Tobie, Brother
- Gary M. Pilcher Jr. and wife Catherine, Nephew
- Meagan Pilcher Defauw and husband David, Niece
- Olivia Riley Roberson, Great-Niece
- Hollis Ann Defauw, Great-Niece
- Olivia Riley Roberson, Great-Niece
- Hollis Ann Defauw, Great-Niece
- Justin E. Mackey and wife Megan and their children Emory, Georgia, and Deacon, Step-son
- Brittany L. Mackey, Step-daughter
- Pamela S. Mackey, Sister-in-law
- Bobby "Trey" Smith, III and wife Harley and their son, Beckham, Nephew
- Braelyn G. Smith, Niece
- Rachel M. Provenza, Best friend
PALLBEARERS
- Craig Bynog
- Jeff Cash
- Derrick Cooper
- Damon Johnson
- Tony Moffett
- Kyle Newton
- Joe Norris
- Brian Williams
- Karen's "Crew" the Shreveport Fire Department Communications Shift 2, Honorary Pallbearer
Services
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Visitation
Thursday, March 21, 2019
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Celebration of Life
Friday, March 22, 2019
Memories
Karen Pilcher Mackey
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYRobin Holland-Gras
March 22, 2019
Mike......I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your beautiful wife. When we lose a loved one here on earth, we gain an angel in heaven that watches over us. You have your angel watching over you now. I pray you take comfort in knowing she is now resting in the arms of our Lord. Please take care of yourself and lean on your family and friends to help you through this very difficult time. I pray God wraps his arms around you and gives you peace.
Rita Cooks
March 20, 2019
It was an honor to work with Karen. She was such a kind and genuine young lady. My thoughts and prayers are with the Mackey family.
Tina Chambers
March 20, 2019
It was an honor to be your friend. You touched so many people with your kindness. I will miss you and love you forever. Thanks for out time and friendship on and off duty. #ShreveportFireDepartment #Shift2forlife #Teenz
Marion (Daniel) Prost
March 20, 2019
Mike,
I'm so sorry to hear about your wife. May God wrap His loving arms around you and your family during this time and for the days, weeks, months, and years to come! May He give you peace beyond all understanding. God bless!!
Debbie and Michael Schofield
March 19, 2019
Mike, we were so very saddened to learn about Karen. Please know how very sorry we are. So many people have you wrapped in their arms, so take comfort in knowing that you are not alone. You are in our prayers.
Michael and Debbie Schofield
McKinney, Texas